DETECTIVES investigating a smash-and-grab raid on a jewellery shop in Frodsham have arrested a 38-year-old man.

Les Harris Jewellers – an independent family-run business which has been trading in the town centre for more than 40 years – was targeted on Saturday, January 5 when a light-coloured Volvo pulled up outside the Main Street shop around 10.40am.

Police say a man “dressed in building attire and with his face covered” got out of the vehicle and used a sledgehammer to smash the shop window and steal a quantity of jewellery on display.

The man returned to the vehicle which then drove off in the direction of Runcorn.

The value of the haul has not been disclosed, and police say it’s unclear whether the offender was the driver or a passenger in the car.

The man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Detectives are studying the shop’s CCTV footage and appealing for more information.

Detective Sergeant Rupert Morrey said: “Incidents like this are rare in Frodsham but we will be putting extra police patrols in the town centre.

“We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the burglary or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity near the Chapter House on Bridge Lane earlier in the day.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting Incident Number 288 on January 5, or pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111